Wednesday, June 13, 2012

A young Shade and Fresh Water participant takes a break after the morning activities at a play area behind the church. Photo: J. Santiago/UMCOR

Growing up in
East Harlem, I lived in a tenement building that was the hang-out spot for heroin
addicts. Hope was not an option back then—only survival.During a recent trip to Manaus, Brazil, on a site
visit to Shade and Fresh Water, an Advance project of the General Board of
Global Ministries, I was reminded of my own story as a youth, and the lifeline
of hope that was extended to me through creative arts programs, which Shade
also offers.

Every day, upon
exiting my apartment building, I pressed through the crowd of heroin addicts on
my way to school, often also clearing the way for my mother, who escorted
me.During those formative years, I
witnessed domestic violence, gun shootings or stabbings, excessive drug use,
and more.Rather than fight my
surroundings, I acclimated to them, becoming part of the drug scene.

By the time I was
eight years old, I became the “look out” for the neighborhood drug pusher, and
he agreed to show my family and me respect when we entered and exited the
building.Rather than playing like
normal children at the nearby playground, I would stand watch for undercover
detectives or cops, as heroin addicts would make their way to the rooftop to
use drugs.

When I visited
Shade Fresh and Water (Advance #11580A), I was reminded of the unfriendly, untrustworthy, just-survive
world of selfish addiction, pain, and violence of my youth.

Many of the
children living in Manaus slums are exposed to drugs and abuse, as I was.They may also become vulnerable to prostitution,
teenage pregnancy, and more.These
children are no different than me, except that now I look to my past to
identify with them. They, however, may be living this life daily.

Shade and Fresh
Water gives children a rest from their everyday environment and opens them up
to the world of possibility. The program’s name is based on a Brazilian saying
which basically says, “When you are going through life struggles or issues, all
you need are a little shade and a little fresh water.”

Shade participants enjoy cookies and juice before a quick game of stick ball. Photo: J. Santiago/UMCOR

Through learning
programs that offer sports and recreation, the arts, and Christian education,
Shade participants, ages 6-14, learn how to respond to difficult life issues
versus acclimating to their toxic environment as I once did.The children learn how to apply practical
life lessons, work as a team, collaborate on exercises or demonstrations, and
express themselves through music, dance, or sports. Shade creates an enjoyable
environment for children and teenagers and makes them feel loved and protected
while involving them in the program.

While visiting
Shade projects with UMCOR Health executive Patricia Magyar, who was assessing
the project for future collaboration and support, I saw several children
minister liturgical dances to their congregations.This reminded me of the opportunities I received
in summer camp or after-school programs that fostered positive, creative
learning environments through dance and the arts. Back then, my involvement in dance
became my way of escape, my lifeline of hope from the everyday drama at home or
in the neighborhood. It also secured the early foundation of a future call to dance
ministry. ﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿

Instructor Keilem Suzy checks the position of her team before ministering to Shade participants.Photo: J. Santiago/UMCOR

Watching the
girls dance in Manaus was a priceless opportunity to recognize just how far God
has brought me from the days of my youth.But I also recognized how important our choices are when serving one
another. To know “you did good” because a person’s life has changed or has been
impacted in some positive way, is a powerful and humbling thing. It’s also an
UMCOR thing, as the agency works to bring relief to the most vulnerable people around
the world. I left Shade with the desire to return to teach dance, share the
love of God, and share the piece of rope that once was extended to me.

While creative
expression is just a part of the fresh water provided by Shade, the program is certainly
building a foundation for the future of these at-risk children.It was a privilege to witness it.